Then [Jesus] said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
– Luke 12:15-21
Jesus’ parable of the rich fool speaks directly to the condition of our hearts and what we treasure most. The farmer’s prosperity wasn’t the problem – it was his perspective. God gave him abundance, but instead of seeking God’s will for the blessing, he turned inward, trusting his wealth for security and contentment.
When God ceases to be our supreme treasure, we inevitably start placing our hope in other things: money, possessions, comfort, or status. The rich farmer’s issue wasn’t that his fields prospered; his mistake was believing that his wealth could guarantee his happiness and future. But Jesus reminds us that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. True life comes from knowing God, depending on Him, and living generously in response to His grace.
Imagine if the farmer had paused to pray this prayer: “God, this is all Yours. Thank You for blessing me so abundantly. I don’t need a bigger house, a nicer car, or a bigger savings account. Instead, show me how I can use this to glorify You and help others.” What a different story it would’ve been! Instead of hoarding, he could’ve used his wealth to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and invest in things of eternal value. Instead, he was a fool who sold his soul.
Of course, the problem isn’t wealth itself. That’s not what Jesus was saying. He was addressing the covetous nature of the human heart and man’s relentless pursuit of earthly treasures. It begs the question, however: are we holding tightly to what God has given us, or are we asking Him how to steward it for His purposes? To be “rich toward God” means recognizing that everything we have belongs to Him and allowing our love for Him to guide how we live, give, and serve.
Take a moment today to evaluate your heart. Is there anything you’re clinging to more tightly than God? If so, ask Him to reveal that to you. Consider how you can use your resources – your time, your talents, and your finances – to reflect that God is your treasure.
Today’s Prayer: Lord, You are my greatest treasure. Thank You for the blessings in my life, both great and small. Help me to hold everything I have with open hands and a heart surrendered to You. Teach me to live generously, using all that I am and all that I have to glorify You and further Your kingdom. Let my life reflect the truth that knowing You is far greater than anything this world could offer. Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 